How Matthew Lewis Really Felt About Portraying Neville Longbottom In 'Harry Potter'
His character may not have been one of the main 'Harry Potter' trio, but Matthew Lewis carved out a niche for himself as Neville Longbottom. Though fans have always loved Neville, ever since the books were released, seeing Lewis in the films helped bring the character to life.
But it wasn't always an easy gig for Matthew, especially since he had to wear a fat suit for some of the films, noted Matthew-Lewis.com. While Lewis explained in an interview that he "quite like[d]" the idea of Neville being overweight -- because "the best thing about him is that he's not perfect" -- it wasn't fun to don that suit for multiple movies.
Apart from the awkward costume, though, how did Matthew really feel about becoming Neville Longbottom -- and staying Neville for an entire decade?
Years ago, Matthew explained to Matthew-Lewis.com, he could still go out in public without anyone recognizing him. But after on-screen Neville became a little closer in appearance to real-life Matthew, the game was up.
The same way that Daniel Radcliffe was spotted everywhere, and chased by rabid fans, so was Matthew after his "glow up." Ignoring the fact that it wasn't a glow-up but the same actor without fake teeth, fake ears, too-big shoes, and a fat suit, Matthew sort of came into his own as an extension of HP.
But the same way that Daniel feels a bit embarrassed by 'Harry Potter' these days, so does Matthew. In fact, he downright resents the franchise sometimes, for a very relatable reason. Though Rupert Grint says there are things he wishes he could've changed about Ron Weasley, Matthew's complaint about Neville is a bit different.
As Cinema Blend quoted, Matthew explained that even though it's been ten years since he played the fictional character, people still talk as if being Neville Longbottom is his only claim to fame.
In truth, says Lewis, he's done plenty of acting jobs -- including ones that have won BAFTAs -- since 'Harry Potter' wrapped. But instead of looking at his long acting resume, fans obsess over Neville rather than Matthew's other, more mature accomplishments.
Matthew elaborated, "I have done things that have been so wildly different... it's still like people are making the claim I've sort of jumped from Harry Potter into this and have completely ignored the journey it's taken to get there."
No one likes to be stuck in a box, so fans can understand Matthew's dilemma. But at the same time, he has only positive things to say about the actual on-set experience of playing Neville. His character had depth, he elaborated, and though he was "geeky," it was "quite a nice message" that Neville came through and did his own thing.
Not a bad thing to have on his resume after all!
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